Differential Diagnosis for Red Hands
- Single most likely diagnosis
- Palmar erythema: This condition is characterized by redness of the palms and is often associated with liver disease, particularly cirrhosis. It can also be seen in pregnancy, thyroid disease, and as a reaction to certain medications.
- Other Likely diagnoses
- Erythromelalgia: A disorder that causes burning pain, heat, and redness in the hands and feet. It can be primary or secondary to other conditions such as myeloproliferative disorders.
- Raynaud's phenomenon: A condition that affects blood flow to the fingers and toes, and sometimes the ears, nose, and lips. It is characterized by a sudden and temporary narrowing of the arteries in response to cold temperatures or stress, leading to discoloration (often red, white, or blue) of the affected areas.
- Contact dermatitis: An inflammatory skin condition caused by contact with irritants or allergens, leading to redness, itching, and sometimes blistering of the skin.
- Do Not Miss (ddxs that may not be likely, but would be deadly if missed)
- Carbon monoxide poisoning: Although less common, carbon monoxide poisoning can cause cherry-red discoloration of the skin, including the hands, due to the formation of carboxyhemoglobin.
- Sepsis: In severe cases, sepsis can lead to peripheral vasodilation, causing redness and warmth of the extremities, including the hands.
- Rare diagnoses
- Erythrodysesthesia syndrome: A rare condition associated with certain medications (like chemotherapy) that causes redness, swelling, and sometimes peeling of the skin on the palms and soles.
- Hand-foot syndrome: Also known as palmar-plantar erythrodysesthesia, this is a side effect of certain chemotherapy drugs, leading to redness, tenderness, and sometimes peeling of the skin on the palms and soles.